The ra_ref class is used to represent a single relative, absolute, or
mixed cell reference, presumably found in a formula. When row_abs is
TRUE, it means that row_ref identifies a specific row in an
absolute sense. When row_abs is FALSE, it means that
row_ref holds a positive, zero, or negative offset relative to the
address of the cell containing the formula that contains the associated cell
reference. Ditto for col_abs and col_ref.
logical indicating whether row_ref is absolute or
relative
col_ref
integer, column or column offset
col_abs
logical indicating whether col_ref is absolute or
relative
sheet
the name of a sheet (a.k.a. worksheet or tab)
file
the name of a file (a.k.a. workbook)
Value
a ra_ref object
Reference
Spreadsheet Implementation Technology: Basics and Extensions
Peter Sestoft
MIT Press 2014
Details
A ra_ref object can also store the name of a sheet and a file, though
these will often be NA. A cell reference in a formula can potentially
be qualified like this: [my_workbook.xlxs]Sheet1!R2C3. In Testoft
(2014), he creates an entirely separate class for this, a cell_ref,
which consists of a sheet- and file-ignorant ra_ref object and a sheet
reference (he doesn't allow formulas to refer to other files). I hope I
don't regret choosing a different path.